Football | Wheaton North's Clayton Thorson has trip to remember

Wheaton North senior Clayton Thorson attended the BCS national title game between Auburn and Florida State.

He said he also went to a Clippers game and visited Universal Studios.

But the highlight of his busy 10-day trip was his performance in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Thorson was named the MVP of game held in Carson, Calif, on Jan. 5. The Northwestern-bound Thorson completed 16 of 26 pass attempts for 211 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a touchdown for the East team in a 31-24 loss.

"I really enjoyed playing in the game," Thorson said. "That was by far the best part of the trip. It was nice to play with some of the best players in the country, and get to know them. It really helped my confidence and makes me feel pretty good about playing at the next level.

"I learned so much, about the speed of the game and playing against such great athletes."

Thorson, a pro-style quarterback, nearly led the East team to victory after the West grabbed a 28-0 lead. Soon after the game, 247Sports ranked Thorson as a five-star recruit and No. 21 in the 2014 class.

"People always talk about star rankings, but once you get to college everybody forgets about all that. But I think it definitely boosts my confidence," said Thorson, a first-team All-State pick by the Tribune.

Thorson's path to a five-star recruit took some unique turns. He orally committed to Northwestern last spring before starting a game at quarterback in his varsity career. Thorson threw for 2,809 yards and 29 touchdowns and rushed for 630 yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior season.

"Definitely seeing that game was like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "Everybody talks about going to the Rose Bowl. But seeing the game as a fan makes me really want to play in the game."